Colchester businesses to benefit from lockdown funding
Businesses in Colchester affected by coronavirus restrictions are going to be able to apply for a share of £6m.
The Borough Council has received a share of funding from central Government to support local businesses who are impacted by the current national lockdown arrangements.
The grants will be distributed across Essex by district, borough and city councils.
The money is to help businesses who have had to close or been able to trade but have been severely affected by the restrictions, regardless of whether they pay business rates or not.
Eligible businesses will get up to £3,000 depending on the size of the company, their sector, and the degree of loss or hardship.
Market traders can also apply for grants.
The Council say they will run a discretionary scheme to support businesses not helped before or who can evidence significant hardship or loss.
Businesses can also apply for a Business Adaption Grant to carry out adjustments to premises to enable them to continue to operate, improve their business and ensure the health and safety of staff and customers.
Councillor David King, who's the Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: "It is great news that we have an additional £6million funding to help our businesses through the second national lockdown. We know how important it is that we get payments out as fast as possible, in the next few weeks, to ensure businesses receive the support they desperately need.
“As we did in the first lockdown, we will play our full part to ensure that all businesses are aware of the range of support available and get help swiftly out to them when we can.
“This winter will be difficult for all businesses, but we will do all we can to support them through to better times. Recognising the limitations of past national support, we will ensure our local discretionary scheme spreads a little Christmas cheer as wide and far as we can.”
Applications for grants are now open on the council website.